Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Assam Cabinet Approves Judicial Township and Polygamy Ban Bill
Assam is building a new, modern campus for its courts in North Guwahati, which will be a big center for justice.
This new campus will have buildings for the High Court and lawyers, connected by bridges, and will cost about Rs 478.78 crore for the first part.
They hope to invite the Chief Justice of India to help lay the first stone in January 2026.
The government also approved a new law called the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025.
This law will make it illegal for someone to marry more than one person.
If they do, they could go to jail for up to seven years and will not get bail right away.
There's also a plan to help women who are victims of polygamy.
However, this law won't apply to everyone.
People from tribal groups and some areas with special rules, along with certain Muslims living there a long time ago, are excused from this law.
The old High Court building might become a museum or an arbitration center.
The Assam Cabinet sanctioned Rs 478.78 crore for the first phase of a new judicial township in North Guwahati, intended to be an 'apex judicial hub'.
The proposed judicial township will include High Court and Bar buildings, designed to accommodate 31 judges and lawyers, with construction to be completed in three phases.
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, was approved, aiming to ban polygamy with a penalty of up to seven years rigorous imprisonment and making it a non-cognizable offense.
The Bill includes provisions for compensating women victims of polygamous marriages.
Exemptions from the polygamy ban are granted to Scheduled Tribe communities, residents of Sixth Schedule areas, and minority Muslims residing in those areas before 2005.
- Who
- The Assam Cabinet, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, upcoming Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant
- What
- Approved Rs 478.78 crore for the first phase of a judicial township and passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025.
- When
- Cabinet meeting on Sunday, November 9, 2025; Polygamy Bill to be tabled November 25, 2025; Judicial township foundation proposed for January 2026.
- Where
- Assam, India (North Guwahati for the township, state-wide for the Bill)
- Why
- To develop a state-of-the-art judicial township as an 'apex judicial hub' and to prohibit polygamy, promote gender justice, and lawful marital relationships, with specific exemptions.
Rationale for Judicial Township
Concerns and Future of Old High Court
Purpose of the Judicial Township
Rationale for Judicial Township
The judicial township in North Guwahati is planned as an 'apex judicial hub' to modernize judicial infrastructure, accommodating 31 judges and a dedicated building for High Court advocates, enhancing accessibility via new roads and a Brahmaputra bridge.
Concerns and Future of Old High Court
Questions remain about the future use of the current Gauhati High Court premises, although proposals include developing a judicial museum, international arbitration centre, and a legal library.
Polygamy Bill Exemptions
Rationale for Judicial Township
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, aims to ban polygamy with penalties up to seven years imprisonment and compensation for victims, contributing to gender justice and lawful marriages.
Concerns and Future of Old High Court
The exemptions for Scheduled Tribe communities, residents of Sixth Schedule areas (BTR, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong), and minority Muslims in these areas residing there before 2005 raise concerns about the uniform application of the law.
- Judicial Township Project Cost
- Rs 478.78 crore for the first phase
- Judicial Township Location
- Rangmahal, North Guwahati
- Judicial Township Land Area
- 100 bighas
- Expected Foundation Laying Ceremony
- January 2026 (proposed, by CJI)
- Polygamy Bill Name
- The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025
- Polygamy Offense Punishment
- Up to seven years rigorous imprisonment
- Polygamy Offense Type
- Non-cognizable offense (immediate bail not available)
- Polygamy Bill Exemptions
- Scheduled Tribe communities, Sixth Schedule areas, minority Muslims residing in Sixth Schedule areas before 2005
Sources
Assam Cabinet Approves Bill To Ban Polygamy, With Up To 7 Years Jail
Assam cabinet approves Bill to ban polygamy, victim women to get compensation
Assam Cabinet Approves Bill to Ban Polygamy, Victim Women to Get Compensation
Assam cabinet approves Bill to ban polygamy, victim women to get compensation: Check details here
Assam Cabinet Gives Nod To Ban Polygamy; CM Sarma Says Bill To Be Tabled In Assembly This Month
Assam cabinet approves Bill to ban polygamy, victim women to get compensation
Assam Passes Bill To Ban Polygamy, But With Exceptions
Assam Cabinet approves polygamy ban, offenders face up to seven years in prison
What’s in Assam’s anti-polygamy Bill? Jail terms for offenders, compensation for women
Assam Cabinet approves bill to ban polygamy, exempts tribal communities
Assam cabinet approves polygamy ban; here’s who it won’t apply to
Assam Moves To Ban Polygamy: What The Proposed Law Entails, Who It Affects, And Who Is Exempt
